Archaeologist to Discuss Middle Preclassic Maya Development in Belize

9/16/17Saturday @ 12:00 PM

The Archaeological Institute of America—Jacksonville Society will meet at noon on Sept. 16, 2017, in Building 51 at UNF to hear a lecture by Dr. Terry G. Powis from Kennesaw State University titled “Early Monumental Construction and Middle Preclassic Maya Development at Pacbitun, Belize.” Initial occupation there in the 9th century B.C. begins with the construction of domestic structures focusing on the mass production of shell bead adornments. Then we see the erection of the first non-domestic buildings during the next two centuries. The first temples built are truly monumental in size and provide a glimpse into the nature, structure, and extent of sociopolitical changes at the site throughout the Middle Preclassic (800-400 BC) period. Powis compares these transformations to other sites in the Belize Valley and elsewhere in hopes of identifying similar patterns of early Maya sociopolitical development. The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Archaeology Lab. On Saturday, parking is free and the staff/faculty/vendor spaces are open to everyone. For more information, contact Melva Price at (904)241-9411 or aiajaxsoc@gmail.com.